With bay scallop and spiny lobster season just around the corner, I agree it’s time folks pay attention to what a diver-down flag means and to steer clear

It used to be that an official named week or day was rare and special—a call to action. That was before publicity stunts created everything from official Eat-a-Pickle day to Elvis Week.
A few “official” events, however, still are important and I want to call your attention to them.
Let’s start with July 4, Independence Day. Remember that when you anchor on that day, your Union Jack goes on the pointy end of your boat (or yardarm) with the Stars and Stripes astern.
As I write this, it is World Oceans Day, an event created to remind everyone how important the oceans are to our daily lives. World Oceans Day is also opening day for a new documentary film called “The End of the Line,” subtitled, “Imagine a World Without Fish.” This film, based on a book by Charles Clover, explores marine conservation, sustainable fishing practices and ocean stewardship. Much of it was shot in the Bahamas, particularly the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and it gives due credit to the late Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation founder Sir Nicholas Nuttall and his efforts to create marine reserves. Actor Ted Danson calls it the best film of its type. For a list of screenings and more information check out endoftheline.com.
June 27 through July 3 is Florida Dive Flag Awareness Week and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers will be conducting a “Wave the Flag” mission. In the past five years, 22 divers in Florida waters have been injured or killed when a boat struck them. Many of these incidents could have been avoided had the boat operators been on the lookout for diver-down flags, or if the divers had properly displayed the flags to alert boaters to their presence. Continue Reading